Meet the team: Harriet Allman-Carter

One of the newest members of the team, Harriet Allman-Carter our UK Business Development Manager discusses how she got into the energy industry and what it has been like starting a new role during lockdown.

Why did you join Lightsource Labs?

I was delighted to join the Lightsource Labs team in November to establish routes to market for our smart energy management technology, Tribe. The role was a great opportunity to be part of an innovative and disruptive area of the energy industry, and one that will be crucial to driving the adoption of renewables.

My career has been quite energy-focussed so far. I started with a year-long industrial placement at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (now called BEIS) where I worked to monitor the levels of oil stocks we hold in reserve for emergencies. I then joined the Centrica graduate program, and subsequently worked for Hive, a smart home technology provider. Lightsource Labs’ world of smart energy management seemed like a natural progression, and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds.

What do you do at Lightsource Labs?

My main focus is on commercialising Tribe in the UK.

What are you working on right now?

I’m establishing routes to market in the UK by working with partners such as solar installers and distributors, energy utilities, housing developers and landlords.

Recently, I’ve been focussing attention on our first ever product launch with a solar distributor - keep an eye out for future announcements! It’s incredibly exciting to see Tribe, a product that the team have worked so hard on, launching in the market.

I’m also working with utilities to explore ways in which we can trial Tribe and demonstrate the value that can generated through energy savings, grid flexibility services and wholesale trading optimisations.

What is the best part of your job?

I feel lucky to be surrounded by people who have such bright minds and a genuine passion for driving towards a more sustainable future.

What's the most challenging part of your job?

I joined the Lightsource Labs team in November 2020 and haven’t met many of the team in ‘real life’. Working from home brings lots of benefits (like a fridge full of food and being able to nip out for a run at lunch time), but I’m also looking forward to meeting the team properly and gathering socially when the time comes.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I once did a bus driving course, but so far have only used my newfound skills to drive a campervan… probably for the best.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything that gets me outside! I live in London but feel most at home in the mud, and spend the majority of my spare time trying to find it. I love hiking, cycling and running, and am looking forward to being able to go a bit further afield this summer.

Any final thoughts or messages for those either in the industry or those thinking of joining the industry?

Historically, I think people have seen energy as a slightly dull necessity that doesn’t require much consumer engagement, but that is really changing. People are becoming more climate aware - they’re buying electric vehicles, installing solar panels and really do care about where their energy comes from. That, alongside so much innovation in the industry, is making it really exciting place to work!